Meet Dotti
Breed: Pound Pup Special
Barking from: Waikato
Job Title: Education dog
What's up dog?
Dotti, Waikato District Council's Education Dog, has had a positive impact on our Dog Smart programme and the wider community. A rescue herself, Dotti now helps teach children how to stay safe around dogs, visiting schools and kindergartens across the district alongside her owner, Zoey . Her calm, patient nature instantly puts tamariki at ease and creates a safe space for learning. Many children she meets have never interacted with a dog before, and Dotti becomes their first positive experience building confidence, understanding, and respect. Dotti isn't just a passive presence she actively demonstrates safe behaviour, calmly showing children how to approach and interact with dogs the right way. Her presence brings the Dog Smart sessions to life, turning important safety messaging into something real and memorable.
Feedback from schools often mentions how much the children talked about her after the session, and how the lessons stuck thanks to Dotti's involvement. Beyond education, Dotti also supports our organisation's commitment to Te Tiriti O Waitangi by responding to all commands in te reo Maori. This unique skill often sparks curiosity and pride in the children she works with and supports normalising the use of te reo in everyday settings. Dotti is not only an educator but also a role model for rescue dog success stories. Her journey from a Waikato pound pup to community safety ambassador is inspiring showing what's possible with patience, training, and love. Her work is improving safety outcomes across our region and building lifelong positive associations with dogs. Dotti brings warmth and calm to every environment she's part of. In schools and kindergartens, Dotti's impact is transformative. She helps anxious children feel safe and confident, simply by sitting close or gently encouraging interaction.
Her non-verbal support creates an environment where learning happens naturally. Parents and teachers regularly comment on how Dotti helped a child open up, try something new, or overcome fear. Even in brief encounters, Dotti leaves a lasting impression. Her presence brings smiles, lowers tension, and reminds people to pause and connect. Whether it's in a classroom, a staff meeting, or a casual hallway greeting Dotti has a way of making people feel better just by being there. In the office, she's a wellbeing booster lifting moods, reducing stress, and creating positive moments in even the busiest days. Her quiet presence has become a comfort to many, and staff often seek her out for a moment of connection or a calming pat between tasks. Dotti's steady, gentle nature puts people at ease, and she's become a much-loved part of our workplace culture. Quotes - Thank you Zoey and Dotti, for your monthly visits. Our children are becoming confident and skilled in practicing safe interactions with dogs.
They're remembering to ask permission before patting Dotti, and with a gentle, closed fist, allowing her to sniff before patting her under the neck. - Bizzy Bodz ELC "Here in Whaingaroa at Raglan Kindergarten we take every available opportunity for giving the tamariki (children) opportunities to learn about the world around them! This includes having visitors who share their knowledge with us. Zoey and Dotti from Waikato District Council visited us recently to let us know about dog safety. We all now know that we should always ask the dog owner if we can pat their dog and how to pat the dog safely. - Raglan Kindergarten "A big thank you to Zoey (and her dog DottI) from Waikato District Council for teaching us all about how to stay safe around dogs. - Ruawaro Combined School
2025 NZ Top Dog with a Job Award
Judging and criteria
Purpose
This award recognises a working dog that goes above and beyond to make a positive impact in the lives of others. Whether supporting people or fellow animals, this dog’s daily efforts help improve wellbeing, provide support, or create meaningful change in their community.
Reach
Does your dog make a difference in the life of one individual, or do they support an entire group, workplace, or community? Tell us who they help and how far their support reaches.
Impact
What kind of impact does your dog have in their role? Share how they’ve enhanced wellbeing, supported mental health, or improved the lives of those around them
